This article is part of a series called How to Write a Resume. To start this series from the beginning, read the introduction.
At some point during this How to Write a Resume series you’re going to laugh (hopefully), and say, “I need to look at sample resumes” to really get a grip on this resume writing stuff. I couldn’t agree with you more. Looking at sample resumes is one of the best ways to figure out which of the three resume formats best applies to your situation given your skill set, experience, and knowledge.
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To help you in your bid to write a killer resume and land that job interview, I’ve put together three free resume examples to download and print. I’ve also added some resume tips to help you choose the right action words, keywords, and decide if an objective or summary statement is going to work for you. Who doesn’t love free resume help?
Each sample resume includes a little bio of the example job seeker to give you an idea if a particular resume format is a fit for you. So be sure to grab your target job, match your skills to employer requirements, and get downloading these free resume examples.
Chronological Sample Resumes
The chronological resume format lists your most recent employment history (or education) first, ordering your jobs by date in a time line.
Job Seeker Bio: Jane Smith, Software Developer
In this sample resume job seeker Jane Smith is the perfect candidate for a chronological resume. She is staying in the same field, her job titles show increased responsibility and higher position levels, and she’s had few gaps in her employment history. Jane is perfect – but you don’t have to be to use this format. Promise.
(Software Developer Example)
Resume Tips
- Compare this sample resume with the target job application. Do you see how they match?
- Write a wicked objective or summary, or skip both.
- Don’t fret if your career history has some gaps – make your skills shine by using percentages, numbers, and dollar figures to highlight your accomplishments.
Functional Sample Resumes
The functional resume focuses attention on skills and achievements, rather than job titles and places of employment, making it a winner for career changers or new college graduates.
Job Seeker Bio: Cindy Smyth, Administrative Assistant
In this sample resume job seeker Cindy Smyth has many of the required skills for the target job but lacks the job titles to impress a hiring manager. She also has some big gaps in her employment history because she took time off for family. She’s opted to focus on her relevant skills and education rather than highlight her break from employment by using a functional resume format.
(Administrative Assistant Example)
Resume Tips
- Compare this sample resume with the target job application. Do you see how they match?
- Hiring managers want to see job experience. This sample resume would be stronger by listing volunteer experience and some employment history.
- If you’re stuck for work experience, find a volunteer job or enhance your education for free.
Combination Sample Resumes
The combination resume lets you showcase your impressive skills while giving employers what they really want – your employment history!
Job Seeker Bio: Fred Smithy, Technical Writer
In this sample resume job seeker Fred Smithy gained the skills and experience for the target job as a Technical Writer while working in customer support and as software tester. He doesn’t have the job title to quickly grab the attention of a hiring manager but because his skills are amazing and match employer requirements, he lists those first in a combination resume. His employment history is listed in chronological order at the bottom to show employers his experience.
(Technical Writer Example)
Resume Tips
- Compare this sample resume with the target job application.
- Matching job keywords and using skill action words is what this sample resume does best.
- Learn more about how to write a wicked combination resume.
There you have it – three free resume examples to help you kick start your resume writing. I hope this resume help is getting you motivated to write a wicked resume. I’ve received several amazing emails and Twitter Tweets from readers (just like you) who have found help in this series and landed interviews. YAY! Now stayed tuned for the next installment – more downloads! 😉
Got some resume help to add? Share away!
Great post Fox! Its good for readers to see the different pieces finally come together in a visual pattern that can be used to tweak/formulate ones own resume.
Another great post. I’m curious to see how you are going to wrap up this series. I’m also curious to see if you are going to take on another topic to do a series on.
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Good tips. I can use these when I revamp my resume.
This information on your website was very helpful to me. Thank you so much for all this info. It is an amazing site!
I like the general advice here, as I love the rest of the site! Especially, I agree that it’s essential to have a simple, clear format as pictured here. Your name front and center is vital – people need to be able to quickly associate a name with your resume and this virtually guarantees that your name will be noticed.
One improvement I suggest is to use the bullets under each job solely for accomplishments and impact statements. Those will stand out, as they should. Employers want to know what you did for another employer, as your past experience and impact is the best indicator of your future performance. With my clients, I like to use a short (2-4 lines) paragraph to describe the general responsibilities and scope of jobs, followed by 2 to 5 accomplishment bullets.
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These resume tips are super helpful, but I think ultimately what people need to remember is keeping their online presence clean. A good resume can’t mask that “drunk in the tub” picture you took the other night!
Hy Kerry,
Thank you so much for this guide line. It did take me a whole weekend to facelift my resume, but now I’m quite excited to forward it….
I started in the career field very late and don’t have very much experience anywhere. I have had 2 jobs and didn’t do much in high school. Which template would you recommend i use?
I’d also like to mention none of my previous jobs or experience relates to what i’m applying for.
Hi Kerry,
I just wanted to send you a big thank you since I stumbled over your resume tips after having fought with myself and a ton of information on how to write my job application for ever! I had nearly despaired … You addressed the exact issues I had (including the spazzing :-)) and have given me new hope to tackle the challenge and see writing the resume as the “door to a brighter future”, not as “rocket science” 😉 Thank you so much!
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great post